Pupils learn about life as a nurse

PUPILS from Stranraer Academy, Castle Douglas High School and Kirkcudbright High School joined pupils from the east of the region recently to enjoy a one-day taster event for nursing at the University of the West of Scotland’s Dumfries Campus.

This event was organised by the UWS School of Health, Nursing and Midwifery with support from the UWS Corporate Marketing team and various representatives from NHS Dumfries and Galloway, to provide senior school pupils with the opportunity to find out more about a career in nursing.

Throughout the day each of the pupils attended eight workshops including; Smoking Matters, Basic Life Support, Trauma, School Nurse, Drugs and Alcohol, Wound Care, Health Improvement and Mental Health Nursing.

Julie Orr lecturer in Adult Nursing said: “Nursing is such a rewarding career pathway and this event allows pupils to have an insight into the various roles of a nurse – not only in the acute hospital setting but also for example in schools, the community, primary care, and the private sector. Nursing also includes an educational role as well as a caring responsibility. I think events like this can help confirm if nursing is an option for individuals – it’s the hands on experiences that help people decide if it’s for them or not. Our degree programmes were full in Dumfries last year and we are looking forward to another big intake in September 2012.”

Marie McCaig, lecturer in Mental Health Nursing added: “We are very grateful to all the external representatives who supported this event. Bringing in our colleagues from the workplace for the day to share their experiences and expertise with the pupils is invaluable. I’m sure we have presented these pupils with some serious career options and a taste of what it is like to be a student nurse.”